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Silver Blackthorn #2
Renegade
Silver Blackthorn is a fugitive from the law.
Silver Blackthorn has committed treason.
She is dangerous. Do NOT approach her.
A large reward is on offer. Report any sightings to your nearest Kingsman.
Long live the King.
Silver Blackthorn is on the run. She fled Windsor Castle with eleven other teenagers, taking with her something far more valuable than even she realises: knowledge.
With the entire country searching for the missing Offerings, Silver must keep them all from the vicious clutches of King Victor and the Minister Prime. Until now, no one has escaped the king and lived to tell the tale.
Or have they?
With expectations weighing heavily on the girl with the silver streak in her hair, will she ever find her way home?
Silver Blackthorn has committed treason.
She is dangerous. Do NOT approach her.
A large reward is on offer. Report any sightings to your nearest Kingsman.
Long live the King.
Silver Blackthorn is on the run. She fled Windsor Castle with eleven other teenagers, taking with her something far more valuable than even she realises: knowledge.
With the entire country searching for the missing Offerings, Silver must keep them all from the vicious clutches of King Victor and the Minister Prime. Until now, no one has escaped the king and lived to tell the tale.
Or have they?
With expectations weighing heavily on the girl with the silver streak in her hair, will she ever find her way home?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2015
21 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
72 books1,080 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 11, 2016
You know I was thinking to give this either a 4 or 5 star rating. The more I thought about the book the more I found that I really liked this sequel. Even when I was near the end, I didn't want it to end just yet. You know you found a good book if you want the story to keep going. Haven't said that about a book in a while.
Anyway, this one I saw the cover at the library and found it was book two and well, looked for book 1. The cover is what drew me in and the summary as well.
Story takes place right where the first one left off. What makes this a really good book and sequel is well, throughout is the friendship and bond between Silver and the other Offerings. That and the writing style, pacing, etc. Also has its tense moments too.
Yeah there's a love triangle I guess but the story is still the main focus. Otherwise I didn't mind it that much. Looking forward to the next one.
Anyway, this one I saw the cover at the library and found it was book two and well, looked for book 1. The cover is what drew me in and the summary as well.
Story takes place right where the first one left off. What makes this a really good book and sequel is well, throughout is the friendship and bond between Silver and the other Offerings. That and the writing style, pacing, etc. Also has its tense moments too.
Yeah there's a love triangle I guess but the story is still the main focus. Otherwise I didn't mind it that much. Looking forward to the next one.
May 6, 2015
I was a HUGE fan of the first novel in this series, so to say I was happy to get to read the next one a little early is putting it mildly. And for me it was worth every second of the wait.
Silver and friends have escaped the immediate clutches of the King and are on the run. Decisions have to be made and everyone is looking to Silver to make them, she however is not sure she is the right person for the job.
Renegade is very addictive – whilst Kerry Wilkinson expands and deepens the mythology he has also written a bit of a thriller, a bit of road trip drama and given our characters a lot of emotional upset to deal with. He keeps things rocking along at a heck of a pace, introducing new places and people, giving Silver a lot to handle and solidifying and intensifying the relationships between our core group. It is engaging and compelling throughout.
I am entirely in love with this series, one of those times I can’t really tell you why – although it probably is mostly to do with Silver as a character who is a gorgeous mix of strong independent woman and ditzy teenager. You just want to follow along with her, a bit like her fellow runaways – one of those brilliantly written characters that just pop off the page and become very real.
I’m being careful not to say too much about the story itself just in case you have not started this series yet – but I will say it is excellent – great writing, great characters, terrific world building, at least several bags of maltesers worth of reading joy.
The end drove me nuts – yep thanks for that Mr Wilkinson – now the wait begins for the finale. I’m going to be first in the queue. Everyone had better stay out of my way!
Silver and friends have escaped the immediate clutches of the King and are on the run. Decisions have to be made and everyone is looking to Silver to make them, she however is not sure she is the right person for the job.
Renegade is very addictive – whilst Kerry Wilkinson expands and deepens the mythology he has also written a bit of a thriller, a bit of road trip drama and given our characters a lot of emotional upset to deal with. He keeps things rocking along at a heck of a pace, introducing new places and people, giving Silver a lot to handle and solidifying and intensifying the relationships between our core group. It is engaging and compelling throughout.
I am entirely in love with this series, one of those times I can’t really tell you why – although it probably is mostly to do with Silver as a character who is a gorgeous mix of strong independent woman and ditzy teenager. You just want to follow along with her, a bit like her fellow runaways – one of those brilliantly written characters that just pop off the page and become very real.
I’m being careful not to say too much about the story itself just in case you have not started this series yet – but I will say it is excellent – great writing, great characters, terrific world building, at least several bags of maltesers worth of reading joy.
The end drove me nuts – yep thanks for that Mr Wilkinson – now the wait begins for the finale. I’m going to be first in the queue. Everyone had better stay out of my way!
July 8, 2015
**I received this book for free from St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Renegade is the second installment in the Silver Blackthorn series picking up right where Reckoning left off. Silver Blackthorn and her friends, Imrin, Jela, Hart, Faith, and Pietra are fugitives from the law after escaping Windsor Castle. At said castle, they were considered to be "Offerings" by the tyrannical King of England who used them for his folly and games. Silver, the apparent leader of the group, is wanted for treason after knocking out the king. She has been labeled as dangerous, and has a huge reward marked for her capture dead or alive.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from Publisher 06/20/2015* Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published July 5th 2015)
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Renegade is the second installment in the Silver Blackthorn series picking up right where Reckoning left off. Silver Blackthorn and her friends, Imrin, Jela, Hart, Faith, and Pietra are fugitives from the law after escaping Windsor Castle. At said castle, they were considered to be "Offerings" by the tyrannical King of England who used them for his folly and games. Silver, the apparent leader of the group, is wanted for treason after knocking out the king. She has been labeled as dangerous, and has a huge reward marked for her capture dead or alive.
*Full Review Posting @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from Publisher 06/20/2015* Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin (first published July 5th 2015)
May 8, 2015
Renegade has been on my to-read list since I finished Reckoning, and when the day finally came for it's arrival to my house I could not have been more excited. I could not wait to jump back into this world and see what Silver and the rest of the Offerings are up to, are they safe? Have they found their families yet?
Renegade picks up with Silver and the Offerings as they have escaped the castle, but their escape wasn't so easy, and the Kingsmen are out searching the woods to find them all and take them back. Their journey has only just begun but it's already fraught with danger, and the longer they spend looking for the small resistance camps, for people who will help Silver stand and fight against the king and his reign of terror.
This world that Kerry has created is not the happiest one, yet I am so in love with it. I love getting to visit Silver and see how strong and resilient she is, willing to put her own life at risk if it means that the rest of the country, her family, and her friends are safe. But she is also an unlikely leader, and the lengths she goes to in order to keep her small group of friends safe is truly astounding. The world and character building make is easy to love and hate the characters with a passion, and there are plenty of shocks and surprises in store for the readers, as well as Silver.
The twists and turns throughout the pages of Renegade kept me guessing over what would happen next, and I lost count of how often my heart was in the pit of my stomach from the worry alone of what was going to happen to a character. Renegade is a great addition to this series and it not only lives up to it's predecessor, but also shines on it's own. Reckoning gave us a lot of back story for this new world, but Renegade gives us the details that weren't shared, what really happened and why the Reckoning was put into place, what really happens with the towns food they receive but also send out, and the cruel punishments for being to successful.
Final Verdict
Renegade is a shining example of how to keep your readers, reading, but also guessing. I loved Renegade just as much as Reckoning, and I am counting down for the next installment already.
Renegade picks up with Silver and the Offerings as they have escaped the castle, but their escape wasn't so easy, and the Kingsmen are out searching the woods to find them all and take them back. Their journey has only just begun but it's already fraught with danger, and the longer they spend looking for the small resistance camps, for people who will help Silver stand and fight against the king and his reign of terror.
This world that Kerry has created is not the happiest one, yet I am so in love with it. I love getting to visit Silver and see how strong and resilient she is, willing to put her own life at risk if it means that the rest of the country, her family, and her friends are safe. But she is also an unlikely leader, and the lengths she goes to in order to keep her small group of friends safe is truly astounding. The world and character building make is easy to love and hate the characters with a passion, and there are plenty of shocks and surprises in store for the readers, as well as Silver.
The twists and turns throughout the pages of Renegade kept me guessing over what would happen next, and I lost count of how often my heart was in the pit of my stomach from the worry alone of what was going to happen to a character. Renegade is a great addition to this series and it not only lives up to it's predecessor, but also shines on it's own. Reckoning gave us a lot of back story for this new world, but Renegade gives us the details that weren't shared, what really happened and why the Reckoning was put into place, what really happens with the towns food they receive but also send out, and the cruel punishments for being to successful.
Final Verdict
Renegade is a shining example of how to keep your readers, reading, but also guessing. I loved Renegade just as much as Reckoning, and I am counting down for the next installment already.
June 11, 2015
I have loved this series from the moment I first read Reckoning. When I listened to the audiobook for Reckoning I loved it, and went onto Renegade with Kat's voice in my head as Silver. When I got the chance to review an audiobook of Renegade I could not download it fast enough.
I really don't want to repeat myself too much with this review for Renegade, you can see my full review of the book in the link above. Going into Renegade I already knew what was going to happen in the end, but hearing them instead of reading them made them feel like a new event. I loved how it felt like it was a new story for me, how I was just as nervous as my first read of it. The Renegade audiobook sits proudly next to Reckoning, and I am really looking forward to listening to this series again once the next book has been published.
The Narration
My review of Reckoning shows how much I loved Kat's narration for this series, and Renegade was no exception. To me she is the voice of Silver, and now when I read the books it's Kat I hear. When I was tweeting my progress for Renegade to Kerry, he told me that Kat's finest moment came near the end. Not only is Kat possibly the best person to bring Silver to life, but Kerry was also right.
I knew what was coming, I knew the ending of this book and how it all played out, but having Kat tell me the story, listening to her voice and the emotion she puts into it made it a new experience. I cried......on the bus.....on my way to work.
Final Verdict
Renegade is just as good as an audio as it is in a paperback. I loved every minute of this book and often found myself listening to it for 'just 30 minutes more' at stupid hours of the morning on a work night.
I really don't want to repeat myself too much with this review for Renegade, you can see my full review of the book in the link above. Going into Renegade I already knew what was going to happen in the end, but hearing them instead of reading them made them feel like a new event. I loved how it felt like it was a new story for me, how I was just as nervous as my first read of it. The Renegade audiobook sits proudly next to Reckoning, and I am really looking forward to listening to this series again once the next book has been published.
The Narration
My review of Reckoning shows how much I loved Kat's narration for this series, and Renegade was no exception. To me she is the voice of Silver, and now when I read the books it's Kat I hear. When I was tweeting my progress for Renegade to Kerry, he told me that Kat's finest moment came near the end. Not only is Kat possibly the best person to bring Silver to life, but Kerry was also right.
I knew what was coming, I knew the ending of this book and how it all played out, but having Kat tell me the story, listening to her voice and the emotion she puts into it made it a new experience. I cried......on the bus.....on my way to work.
Final Verdict
Renegade is just as good as an audio as it is in a paperback. I loved every minute of this book and often found myself listening to it for 'just 30 minutes more' at stupid hours of the morning on a work night.
Read
April 20, 2022RENEGADE kicks off at the same point book one, RECKONING, ended. Silver and her friends fled Windsor Castle and are now searching for the rebels. Little does she know, they know who she is and they want her to spearhead their campaign.
Everyone now knows who Silver is and they all have their expectations of what she should do, but she just wants to keep her friends and family safe which is a difficult job all in its own. There is a lot of character development on Silver's part in RECKONING. I enjoyed learning more about the rebels and watching Silver navigate the danger with her friends by her side.
RENEGADE continues the love triangle between Silver, Imrin and Opie. There really isn't any romance going on between ANYONE and Silver never takes the chance to talk to either of them about the other and what she is feeling. Granted they are on the run and fighting for their lives most of the time, but it would have been nice to see some development on that subject.
RENEGADE wasn't as fast paced as book one, but I still had no problem flying through it. I enjoy Wilkinson's writing style and the world that has developed over the last two books. There is a good amount of action and danger with Silver and her friends on the run. We learn a bit more about the past and the way the King came to be. There are some neat surprises thrown in that I wasn't expecting as well as some technology I never thought would be introduced. I wish RESURGENCE was coming out sooner because I am really excited to see how the trilogy ends.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone now knows who Silver is and they all have their expectations of what she should do, but she just wants to keep her friends and family safe which is a difficult job all in its own. There is a lot of character development on Silver's part in RECKONING. I enjoyed learning more about the rebels and watching Silver navigate the danger with her friends by her side.
RENEGADE continues the love triangle between Silver, Imrin and Opie. There really isn't any romance going on between ANYONE and Silver never takes the chance to talk to either of them about the other and what she is feeling. Granted they are on the run and fighting for their lives most of the time, but it would have been nice to see some development on that subject.
RENEGADE wasn't as fast paced as book one, but I still had no problem flying through it. I enjoy Wilkinson's writing style and the world that has developed over the last two books. There is a good amount of action and danger with Silver and her friends on the run. We learn a bit more about the past and the way the King came to be. There are some neat surprises thrown in that I wasn't expecting as well as some technology I never thought would be introduced. I wish RESURGENCE was coming out sooner because I am really excited to see how the trilogy ends.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2015
It's not always easy to immerse yourself in a dystopian novel, simply because the landscapes and communities can be so different to what we're used to, but Wilkinson does a bang-up job of creating a world that is utterly believable and imaginable. He includes exactly the right level of description and feeling to take you right into Silver's world, and you'll be right there with her, trekking around the country, hiding from Kingsmen and camping out with the group of escapees. The only thing that I didn't enjoy about this installment was the slightly shady love triangle. It started out in book one, but becomes more of an issue in book two, and I find myself questioning whether it was really necessary. I can understand the reasoning behind it, but personally I don't like it. Mainly because I have a feeling that I'm backing the losing guy. More twists and turns than a twisty, turny thing, and a slow rollercoaster-style build-up for the finale of book 3. If you're not the patient kind, maybe wait til book 3 is out before reading all three, otherwise you're going to be very frustrated!
December 27, 2018
I didn't like this book at all. The characters weren't doing much and they didn't think through their plans to well. The plotline wasn't interesting and reminded me of half a dozen other books. Even the book itself sat on my shelf collecting dust as I groaned looking at it. Let me flesh it out a bit.
When Silver and Co. were running away from the guards. They didn't have enough time to build a proper shelter, yet they had time to rig up this whole booby trap thing that rivalled Home Alone. And when they had the opportunity to capture the guards and force them to do something, they let the guards go at the end of the whole thing.
Silver and Co. could easily run away and be gone, but they make the dumb move of staying at one of the girls' home. I don't remember her name, but I remember that the family was really poor. Somehow they didn't think that her family might betray her and reap the large bounty.
And the plotline, don't get me started on that. Some of you might remember the book Defiance. I really hated that book and this is almost a carbon copy of this book. I didn't even want to finish the book. And the worst part is that I think there is a 3rd book. If the 2nd book was this bad, I think the 3rd book might be one of that post-end of the world government books where there is a big revolution and the main character becomes the new ruler.
I wouldn't read this book ever again. Not because the content was bad or anything, I just didn't like the plotline and character's actions.
When Silver and Co. were running away from the guards. They didn't have enough time to build a proper shelter, yet they had time to rig up this whole booby trap thing that rivalled Home Alone. And when they had the opportunity to capture the guards and force them to do something, they let the guards go at the end of the whole thing.
Silver and Co. could easily run away and be gone, but they make the dumb move of staying at one of the girls' home. I don't remember her name, but I remember that the family was really poor. Somehow they didn't think that her family might betray her and reap the large bounty.
And the plotline, don't get me started on that. Some of you might remember the book Defiance. I really hated that book and this is almost a carbon copy of this book. I didn't even want to finish the book. And the worst part is that I think there is a 3rd book. If the 2nd book was this bad, I think the 3rd book might be one of that post-end of the world government books where there is a big revolution and the main character becomes the new ruler.
I wouldn't read this book ever again. Not because the content was bad or anything, I just didn't like the plotline and character's actions.
February 28, 2023
3.9/5
It was a really good book the plot had me hinged to know moreZ i just feel like at times the writer was a little disoriented in her writing and I personally didn’t like the idea of a teleport personally because it made me cringe. However, it was very well written book. I legit wont give it a 4 because of the teleport scene sorry not sorry. Ill lookk forward to reading the last book in the series only w the actual plot of the story is 1000/5 it’s amazing.
It was a really good book the plot had me hinged to know moreZ i just feel like at times the writer was a little disoriented in her writing and I personally didn’t like the idea of a teleport personally because it made me cringe. However, it was very well written book. I legit wont give it a 4 because of the teleport scene sorry not sorry. Ill lookk forward to reading the last book in the series only w the actual plot of the story is 1000/5 it’s amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2017
Extremely enjoyable and fast-paced. It is unfortunate that it is quite derivative of other books in this genre, and that a big twist at the end is written in a way that feels like a huge easy way out. I'm still really excited to read the third book!
July 28, 2015
I took the reckoning test at the end and I got Elite. Yay!
Honestly, since I read the Reckoning last year, I kind of forgot everything that happened. It took a few chapters to fill in the blanks of what happened in the last book but I eventually remembered.
Silver Blackthorn seems to be a good leader but she kind of seems obsessed with how Imrin and Opie would feel and how they react to situations because of her and each other. So all in all, she's a little self-absorbed sometimes.
When it counts however, she makes quick calculated decisions that turn out to be correct and wise. Her overall character like all heroines still has a lot to learn though.
Not surprisingly, the King has secrets!
Faith is an amazing character who takes no B.S from anyone. She gets her hands dirty and makes the more or less difficult decisions for Silver when I think that Silver makes the wrong one.
Imrin: I never saw the romance. The relationship between Silver and Imrin seemed platonic at best. Their interactions felt platonic. I don't know, I mean Silver focused more on Opie when she was with Imrin. She also only focused on Imrin when she was with Opie.
I felt like the author was trying to develop feelings between Silver, Imrin and Opie but kind of did it in an awkward way. Maybe it was purposeful? Throughout the book, Imrin tries to get closer to Silver but she comes across as annoyed.
Opie: I know there's supposed to be a childhood sweetheart thing between Silver and Opie but when they interact in the present it's almost nonexistent. Opie spolier alert (confesses to Silver and she says, "she shouldn't have asked. ")
The rebellion is there but has absolutely no ideas of how to rebel against the Empire. They literally said that their "act" of rebelling is existing and living without the help of the Empire.
No wonder the Empire hasn't tried harder to infiltrate the rebellion. No wonder the Empire hasn't paid that much attention to them. They're literally no threat.
The leader of the rebellion turns out to be just as manipulative and crazy as the king himself. No surprise there seeing as how he reacted when he met Silver.
Hopefully, the rebellion will really kick off with Silver at the helm because let's face it she can't do everything she's set to do with only Opie by her side. She needs the rebellions man power and resources.
I'm interested as to where the story will lead but the "love triangle" needs work because it feels more like an indecisive girl leading two really nice guys on because in reality it's because she either can't choose between the two or she only wants friendship and nothing else.
Honestly, since I read the Reckoning last year, I kind of forgot everything that happened. It took a few chapters to fill in the blanks of what happened in the last book but I eventually remembered.
Silver Blackthorn seems to be a good leader but she kind of seems obsessed with how Imrin and Opie would feel and how they react to situations because of her and each other. So all in all, she's a little self-absorbed sometimes.
When it counts however, she makes quick calculated decisions that turn out to be correct and wise. Her overall character like all heroines still has a lot to learn though.
Not surprisingly, the King has secrets!
Faith is an amazing character who takes no B.S from anyone. She gets her hands dirty and makes the more or less difficult decisions for Silver when I think that Silver makes the wrong one.
Imrin: I never saw the romance. The relationship between Silver and Imrin seemed platonic at best. Their interactions felt platonic. I don't know, I mean Silver focused more on Opie when she was with Imrin. She also only focused on Imrin when she was with Opie.
I felt like the author was trying to develop feelings between Silver, Imrin and Opie but kind of did it in an awkward way. Maybe it was purposeful? Throughout the book, Imrin tries to get closer to Silver but she comes across as annoyed.
Opie: I know there's supposed to be a childhood sweetheart thing between Silver and Opie but when they interact in the present it's almost nonexistent. Opie spolier alert (confesses to Silver and she says, "she shouldn't have asked. ")
The rebellion is there but has absolutely no ideas of how to rebel against the Empire. They literally said that their "act" of rebelling is existing and living without the help of the Empire.
No wonder the Empire hasn't tried harder to infiltrate the rebellion. No wonder the Empire hasn't paid that much attention to them. They're literally no threat.
The leader of the rebellion turns out to be just as manipulative and crazy as the king himself. No surprise there seeing as how he reacted when he met Silver.
Hopefully, the rebellion will really kick off with Silver at the helm because let's face it she can't do everything she's set to do with only Opie by her side. She needs the rebellions man power and resources.
I'm interested as to where the story will lead but the "love triangle" needs work because it feels more like an indecisive girl leading two really nice guys on because in reality it's because she either can't choose between the two or she only wants friendship and nothing else.
April 24, 2015
I don't give five stars often but this book was really worth it.
We once again meet Silver Blackthorn but this time after her escape from Windsor Castle and her and her friends are not sure what to do next. They know that they have put thier families at risk and also realise that there will be a reward for them. Silver along with Faith Jeta Imrin and Hart and the others try and see if their families are ok, not everything goes as planned but I won't spoil it for you.I loved that I could picture the landscape and I felt I was part of the community because everything was descibed so well and I hadn't realised I was holding my breath near the end until I finished the book. I hope so much that there will be a 3rd book as I would love to know what happens to Silver. I had read the first instalment in Silvers life but you could read this book without reading the other but I think its so more exciting when you know the whole story.
Don't miss this book its such a good book for all.
We once again meet Silver Blackthorn but this time after her escape from Windsor Castle and her and her friends are not sure what to do next. They know that they have put thier families at risk and also realise that there will be a reward for them. Silver along with Faith Jeta Imrin and Hart and the others try and see if their families are ok, not everything goes as planned but I won't spoil it for you.I loved that I could picture the landscape and I felt I was part of the community because everything was descibed so well and I hadn't realised I was holding my breath near the end until I finished the book. I hope so much that there will be a 3rd book as I would love to know what happens to Silver. I had read the first instalment in Silvers life but you could read this book without reading the other but I think its so more exciting when you know the whole story.
Don't miss this book its such a good book for all.
May 23, 2016
Silver is one badass 16 year old. There are so many competing "evils" in this story, I'm not sure which one is more dangerous to Silver and her friends. I was happy to see her reunited with Opie, but I have to wonder what the dynamics are going to be with Imrin, Silver and Opie, especially given how the book ends. I look forward to seeing what happens in RESURGENGE and if Silver manages to come out the victor
May 10, 2015
Kerry Wilkinson thank you for the ability to preview Renegade.
I liked the first book some more Renegade
The book has taken some surprising turns and explores a plot line involving futuristic technology. It is sure that I will read the next book.
I liked the first book some more Renegade
The book has taken some surprising turns and explores a plot line involving futuristic technology. It is sure that I will read the next book.
February 23, 2017
I absolutely loved the first installment, but this one fell a little flat. It took so many predictable turns! hopefully the third book will redeem the series.
July 6, 2015
My Thoughts On The Book:
'Outlaw. Rebel. Hero'
The Plot Of The Story:
Renegade continues straight after Silver's escape from Windsor Castle with the other escapees, they are alone and hunted but they are free, for now. Her plan to expose the truth about the King has failed to do what she had hoped and it's been turned back on her and the other Offerings meaning that now she is the ultimate enemy to the crown and is being hounded as an outlaw, hunted like a common criminal. Everyone, the offerings and the underground rebellion, is looking to Silver to lead them but she doesn't believe she is the right person to do so, she feels as lost and alone as they do... what should they do for the best, what can they do to stop the oppression they are suffering? Silver is stronger than she knows ans is more than worthy of being looked up to but she needs to believe it herself before she can truly lead them into a brighter future. It's going to be a long road and huge fight, can Silver live long enough to get everyone through this and be victorious?
What Is There To Love?
The characters are the heart and soul of this series so far, they were in the last book and they continue to do so in this one too. Obviously Silver is the star of the show, she's strong and kick-ass but she is flawed in that she is just as lost, confused and scared as everyone else. She knows what needs to be done but doesn't want to have that kind of responsibility over others as she is frightened of letting them down, of being the things that gets her friends and family killed as a result of her actions. I think a nod need to be given to Faith in this book too though as she makes a amazing leap into the forefront and proves herself to be a leading character and the perfect partner for Silver in the upcoming fight. She is smart, sassy and incredibly brave in spite of everything that has happened previously ad the change is an incredible thing to watch.
The overall plot is growing steadily and impressively, the story is flowing nicely and cleanly. The backstory is an interesting one and is one of the things I love the most about the book, the world is a mess and I find it intriguing to find out what happened, how things got so bad and so very messed up. Could you imagine it? It's crazy world, led by a nut-job of the highest degree!
What Is There To Dislike?
Renegade didn't quite hit me in the guts like Reckoning did, and didn't have the same sparkle and pizazz of it's predecessor. I did still enjoy the book immensely but sometimes the second book in a series does this, it's dips a little to make way for what can potentially be a dramatic and awe-aspiring final book...... hopefully!
The 'love triangle' continues to be an irritant, I can't explain why I dislike it as much as I do as usually I find myself rooting for one guy or another but in this case I don't want either of them to get the girl, I personally don't think either of them deserve Silver. I don't feel any chemistry between any of them and I don't think Silver really does either as she doesn't become a quivering girlie mess around either of them, which you would expect if she was really into one or both of them. In fact I think Silver probably has better chemistry with Faith than she does with the boys and that's saying something.
How's The Writing?
As with Reckoning, Renegade is an immersive and emotional that's book full of grit and gumption. Wilkinson has drawn on the past mythology started in Reckoning and added to it, layer by layer and while we still have another book to go before the series is over the back story is growing nicely and is proving to be the sturdy backbone of the series.
Wilkinson has an easy style of writing that is easy to read but it full of action and adventure, emotional and hard-hitting, he doesn't hold back on issues that need to be harder but still manages to keep a delicate balance between that and the more softer aspects of the relationships between the characters. He's created a story full of unexpected twists and turns and has given this book a slightly different feel to the last one, the last felt more like a dystopian YA while this is tinged with more of thriller aspect and has turned away from the previous path a little which is probably more to do with the switch from being prisoners stuck within Windsor Castle, fighting for their very existence to the Offerings being out in the wide world, looking for somewhere to hide while they plan their next move, roaming the British countryside and hiding in abandoned villages.
Final Thoughts:
Renegade is a fine sequel to Reckoning, it's not quite as sparkling as it's predecessor but it's still a fine, fine book and is a worthy addition to the story of Silver Blackthorn and her fight against those oppressors in the world. It's a lovingly craft tale that keep on surprising me in the best way possible. It has been likened to The Hunger Games and as someone who's not read those books I can't comment on that but I can say that even if this series is similar it's still a wonderful series in it's own right and it need to be read regardless of any similarities to anything else, it's it's own story and it deserves it's own accolades.
My anticipation for the final book is right up there and I really can't wait to see how this story will end, who Silver will end up with, with she overcome and defeat the King and his cohorts.... lots of question needing answers so that wait is going to be a hard, hard one.
'Outlaw. Rebel. Hero'
The Plot Of The Story:
Renegade continues straight after Silver's escape from Windsor Castle with the other escapees, they are alone and hunted but they are free, for now. Her plan to expose the truth about the King has failed to do what she had hoped and it's been turned back on her and the other Offerings meaning that now she is the ultimate enemy to the crown and is being hounded as an outlaw, hunted like a common criminal. Everyone, the offerings and the underground rebellion, is looking to Silver to lead them but she doesn't believe she is the right person to do so, she feels as lost and alone as they do... what should they do for the best, what can they do to stop the oppression they are suffering? Silver is stronger than she knows ans is more than worthy of being looked up to but she needs to believe it herself before she can truly lead them into a brighter future. It's going to be a long road and huge fight, can Silver live long enough to get everyone through this and be victorious?
What Is There To Love?
The characters are the heart and soul of this series so far, they were in the last book and they continue to do so in this one too. Obviously Silver is the star of the show, she's strong and kick-ass but she is flawed in that she is just as lost, confused and scared as everyone else. She knows what needs to be done but doesn't want to have that kind of responsibility over others as she is frightened of letting them down, of being the things that gets her friends and family killed as a result of her actions. I think a nod need to be given to Faith in this book too though as she makes a amazing leap into the forefront and proves herself to be a leading character and the perfect partner for Silver in the upcoming fight. She is smart, sassy and incredibly brave in spite of everything that has happened previously ad the change is an incredible thing to watch.
The overall plot is growing steadily and impressively, the story is flowing nicely and cleanly. The backstory is an interesting one and is one of the things I love the most about the book, the world is a mess and I find it intriguing to find out what happened, how things got so bad and so very messed up. Could you imagine it? It's crazy world, led by a nut-job of the highest degree!
What Is There To Dislike?
Renegade didn't quite hit me in the guts like Reckoning did, and didn't have the same sparkle and pizazz of it's predecessor. I did still enjoy the book immensely but sometimes the second book in a series does this, it's dips a little to make way for what can potentially be a dramatic and awe-aspiring final book...... hopefully!
The 'love triangle' continues to be an irritant, I can't explain why I dislike it as much as I do as usually I find myself rooting for one guy or another but in this case I don't want either of them to get the girl, I personally don't think either of them deserve Silver. I don't feel any chemistry between any of them and I don't think Silver really does either as she doesn't become a quivering girlie mess around either of them, which you would expect if she was really into one or both of them. In fact I think Silver probably has better chemistry with Faith than she does with the boys and that's saying something.
How's The Writing?
As with Reckoning, Renegade is an immersive and emotional that's book full of grit and gumption. Wilkinson has drawn on the past mythology started in Reckoning and added to it, layer by layer and while we still have another book to go before the series is over the back story is growing nicely and is proving to be the sturdy backbone of the series.
Wilkinson has an easy style of writing that is easy to read but it full of action and adventure, emotional and hard-hitting, he doesn't hold back on issues that need to be harder but still manages to keep a delicate balance between that and the more softer aspects of the relationships between the characters. He's created a story full of unexpected twists and turns and has given this book a slightly different feel to the last one, the last felt more like a dystopian YA while this is tinged with more of thriller aspect and has turned away from the previous path a little which is probably more to do with the switch from being prisoners stuck within Windsor Castle, fighting for their very existence to the Offerings being out in the wide world, looking for somewhere to hide while they plan their next move, roaming the British countryside and hiding in abandoned villages.
Final Thoughts:
Renegade is a fine sequel to Reckoning, it's not quite as sparkling as it's predecessor but it's still a fine, fine book and is a worthy addition to the story of Silver Blackthorn and her fight against those oppressors in the world. It's a lovingly craft tale that keep on surprising me in the best way possible. It has been likened to The Hunger Games and as someone who's not read those books I can't comment on that but I can say that even if this series is similar it's still a wonderful series in it's own right and it need to be read regardless of any similarities to anything else, it's it's own story and it deserves it's own accolades.
My anticipation for the final book is right up there and I really can't wait to see how this story will end, who Silver will end up with, with she overcome and defeat the King and his cohorts.... lots of question needing answers so that wait is going to be a hard, hard one.
May 9, 2017
This second book of the ' Silver Blackthorn trilogy' caught me off guard.
I never knew what will happened next.
One of the book that want me to keep on reading until the end.
Spoilers alert: when a character died I too felt heartbroken along with Silver. We had the same emotion. We loved and connected to that character as a friendship.
One of the best book ever.
I never knew what will happened next.
One of the book that want me to keep on reading until the end.
Spoilers alert: when a character died I too felt heartbroken along with Silver. We had the same emotion. We loved and connected to that character as a friendship.
One of the best book ever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
While I enjoyed the premise if the story and didnt realize I was reading the second in a series til very far in, I couldn't get over the large cliffhanger at the end. The issue that was resolved was so small and only brought up at the very end. I want to continue reading but it was cut way to short.
July 22, 2023
Still a great book, has a very smooth transition from the first book. This series is definitely one of the best dystopians I’ve come across. I do wish the love triangle was toned down a little but that’s really just my personal preference. I think the first book was a bit better that’s why I gave four stars but I don’t have much criticism.
November 3, 2018
I gave book 1 - The Reckoning, 2.5 stars because the story idea is unoriginally a mix between Hunger Games and Divergent and it’s distracting and infuriating. This follow up in the series is MUCH better and with an original and engaging story.
October 24, 2017
Continuing the story of Silver Blackthorn this is fast paced and keeps you hooked from page one.
Highly recommended.
Now where is my copy of Resurgence :o)
Highly recommended.
Now where is my copy of Resurgence :o)
December 7, 2020
This book, while it wasn’t groundbreaking, was a good time.
March 3, 2021
Wow! I waited so long to read this one after the first and I love when a sequel is as good as the first.. now on to the third one
September 14, 2022
4.5⭐️
As good as the first, just as brutal, better than expected, very hard to put down so I didn’t.
As good as the first, just as brutal, better than expected, very hard to put down so I didn’t.
September 10, 2024
Can't wait to read the final book.
July 3, 2015
While this book was still good, I didn't find it as engaging as the first one. A lot does happen, but so much of it seemed to be Silver traveling with others on her way to one destination or another. Through this book, she suffers losses, deals with much more than any 16 year old girl should, and struggles with just wanting flee and hide. But she also finds out how much her village supports her and that others see her as a hero.
Silver finds so many things being heaped upon her shoulders now that she has escaped with the other offerings. They all look to her as a leader, and if that wasn't enough, she comes to find out that the resistance is using her as the face of the resistance. That part reminded me of Katniss in The Hunger Games. Neither wanted that mantle placed upon them, but because of one action that each took they find themselves as being called upon as a beacon of hope and change. But that's still not all that Silver finds placed upon her. It eventually comes to her attention that there is a bounty on her head. One great enough that ordinary people are forming groups to hunt for her, and even worse, innocent girls are dying for being mistaken as her. So, no pressure.
Silver does her best to keep all of the offerings safe as they flee the castle and continue on. It's extremely hard going, but she does have a destination in mind. While in the castle she got a hold of those maps with resistance locations on it, and she's heading towards one of them. As it turns out, it's not so much they who find a cell, but the cell that finds them. The leaders there seem to be relatively good people and take in the majority of the offerings she came with. Silver, though, takes a few with her in order to enter the city of Middle England and one of the towers in search of someone who goes by the code name Rom. They're surprised who it turns out to be, and he puts them in contact with the mysterious X who wants to meet Silver. Managing to escape the tower, her and the others now venture on to find him. But first is a stop at Martindale to make sure those she loves are safe. After figuring out where they are hiding, it's Opie who rushes out to greet her first. The tension between Opie and Imrin is nearly palpable and Silver skirts the issue of who she wants to be with. Which is fine for now because she does have more pressing matters to take of. She doesn't stay long and leaves behind three more when she takes off, going with Opie, Faith, and Imrin. And after days of walking they finally find what they're looking for and when Silver meets him, she knows immediately who X really is. He does a good job of selling her on his ideas and convinces her to return to the one place none of them want to go, back to the castle. Even though things do not go according to plan, they end up right where they need to be. But things happen just a beat too slow and during the escape one of them gets left behind. Making the guilt of that worse is when Silver finds out exactly what X has planned with what he sent her to get. It's something she can't allow and the three of them left decide to take action against it, but things go downhill fast and Silver loses another. But with these loses she has decided what she's going to do. Maybe not how exactly (and I'm think that with what she just did it's going to be even harder), but she's determined.
I wasn't really expecting the ending we got. I was a little surprised at what X was planning and what he was really like. I was actually thinking he was going to be an important leader in the next book, but I guess not...
While the whole romance thing isn't exactly a huge part of the story, it's big enough and I can't say how much I really hope she ends up with Opie. I just don't care for Imrin much at all.
There was one thing towards the end that kind of bugged me. It's fiction, so who am I to say that teleportation doesn't exist and work. But my issue was the fact that Silver understood how it works and how to build it just by the little explanation given her and looking into one of the boxes at the wires and what it was composed of. That was just so ridiculously unbelievable.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Silver finds so many things being heaped upon her shoulders now that she has escaped with the other offerings. They all look to her as a leader, and if that wasn't enough, she comes to find out that the resistance is using her as the face of the resistance. That part reminded me of Katniss in The Hunger Games. Neither wanted that mantle placed upon them, but because of one action that each took they find themselves as being called upon as a beacon of hope and change. But that's still not all that Silver finds placed upon her. It eventually comes to her attention that there is a bounty on her head. One great enough that ordinary people are forming groups to hunt for her, and even worse, innocent girls are dying for being mistaken as her. So, no pressure.
Silver does her best to keep all of the offerings safe as they flee the castle and continue on. It's extremely hard going, but she does have a destination in mind. While in the castle she got a hold of those maps with resistance locations on it, and she's heading towards one of them. As it turns out, it's not so much they who find a cell, but the cell that finds them. The leaders there seem to be relatively good people and take in the majority of the offerings she came with. Silver, though, takes a few with her in order to enter the city of Middle England and one of the towers in search of someone who goes by the code name Rom. They're surprised who it turns out to be, and he puts them in contact with the mysterious X who wants to meet Silver. Managing to escape the tower, her and the others now venture on to find him. But first is a stop at Martindale to make sure those she loves are safe. After figuring out where they are hiding, it's Opie who rushes out to greet her first. The tension between Opie and Imrin is nearly palpable and Silver skirts the issue of who she wants to be with. Which is fine for now because she does have more pressing matters to take of. She doesn't stay long and leaves behind three more when she takes off, going with Opie, Faith, and Imrin. And after days of walking they finally find what they're looking for and when Silver meets him, she knows immediately who X really is. He does a good job of selling her on his ideas and convinces her to return to the one place none of them want to go, back to the castle. Even though things do not go according to plan, they end up right where they need to be. But things happen just a beat too slow and during the escape one of them gets left behind. Making the guilt of that worse is when Silver finds out exactly what X has planned with what he sent her to get. It's something she can't allow and the three of them left decide to take action against it, but things go downhill fast and Silver loses another. But with these loses she has decided what she's going to do. Maybe not how exactly (and I'm think that with what she just did it's going to be even harder), but she's determined.
I wasn't really expecting the ending we got. I was a little surprised at what X was planning and what he was really like. I was actually thinking he was going to be an important leader in the next book, but I guess not...
While the whole romance thing isn't exactly a huge part of the story, it's big enough and I can't say how much I really hope she ends up with Opie. I just don't care for Imrin much at all.
There was one thing towards the end that kind of bugged me. It's fiction, so who am I to say that teleportation doesn't exist and work. But my issue was the fact that Silver understood how it works and how to build it just by the little explanation given her and looking into one of the boxes at the wires and what it was composed of. That was just so ridiculously unbelievable.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
June 19, 2024
Silver Blackthorn is a definitely a renegade in Renegade.
I liked this book, and I like following Silver's story. She and the other Offerings are done obeying the tyrannical rule of King Victor. The setting of St George (a dystopian England) is unique. I liked it a lot, and the take that Kerry Wilkinson put on it with the 4 Realms.
Now, having escaped from King Victor's clutches, Silver Blackthorn and other Offerings are running for their lives, and find out that a rebellion is brewing - but the person at the center might just be Silver. Obstacles face the renegade group, like the dynamics among each other. The kids face intense moral choices, and see how far they are willing to go to get their freedom.
The characters in this book became even more fleshed out and realistic. They have more layers now, and have bigger personalities, which is great. Silver is a clever heroine, and makes intelligent choices that move the plot. Honestly I want Hart to end up with Jela or Pietra (because, let's be honest: Hart is great a guy, and Jela and Pietra are great girls.) The morality featured in this story is pretty nice too, and I think good for a YA book to discuss and portray. I felt the weight of their regret and fear, and their hope too.
The plot is character-driven, and the myriad of characters are each unique and essential.
Silver Blackthorn - the heroine of the story, the girl with the silver streak in her hair, is now becoming someone who has to lead others. Silver has to make some serious choices in this book, and the way she responds to several challenges impressed me.
Imrin - he's a fantastic person. He's compassionate, caring, and strong. There's a slight love triangle happening, but I didn't mind it. I support Imrin and Silver together. IMRIN, Silver, choose IMRIN! (his name is cool, too!) Do they even have a couple name? Simrin? Imrilver?
Pietra- she's so sweet, and an exceptional character. Not to mention, doesn't she have a talent for first-aid? It was nice seeing her develop that.
Jela - Jela is so strong. She's been through so much and began healing with Silver's help. She's a little daisy (pun intended) and very imaginative. She's of my favorite's in the series. We also learned about her past in this story, and got to know her more.
Opie - Silver's best friend from their village Martindale, Opie makes a big appearance, and makes Silver and Imrin's relationship more complicated. Opie's more confident in this book, I think, and has a quiet strength.
Overall, I liked Renegade. And the cover is fabulous by the way. It totally looks like wintery England might.
I did give it 3 stars, though, because I think the characters got out of trouble pretty easily at times, and I found myself just trying to finish the book. But, it was still interesting and had plenty of great aspects. I fully intend to read the next book and see how this all wraps up!
I liked this book, and I like following Silver's story. She and the other Offerings are done obeying the tyrannical rule of King Victor. The setting of St George (a dystopian England) is unique. I liked it a lot, and the take that Kerry Wilkinson put on it with the 4 Realms.
Now, having escaped from King Victor's clutches, Silver Blackthorn and other Offerings are running for their lives, and find out that a rebellion is brewing - but the person at the center might just be Silver. Obstacles face the renegade group, like the dynamics among each other. The kids face intense moral choices, and see how far they are willing to go to get their freedom.
The characters in this book became even more fleshed out and realistic. They have more layers now, and have bigger personalities, which is great. Silver is a clever heroine, and makes intelligent choices that move the plot. Honestly I want Hart to end up with Jela or Pietra (because, let's be honest: Hart is great a guy, and Jela and Pietra are great girls.) The morality featured in this story is pretty nice too, and I think good for a YA book to discuss and portray. I felt the weight of their regret and fear, and their hope too.
The plot is character-driven, and the myriad of characters are each unique and essential.
Silver Blackthorn - the heroine of the story, the girl with the silver streak in her hair, is now becoming someone who has to lead others. Silver has to make some serious choices in this book, and the way she responds to several challenges impressed me.
Imrin - he's a fantastic person. He's compassionate, caring, and strong. There's a slight love triangle happening, but I didn't mind it. I support Imrin and Silver together. IMRIN, Silver, choose IMRIN! (his name is cool, too!) Do they even have a couple name? Simrin? Imrilver?
Pietra- she's so sweet, and an exceptional character. Not to mention, doesn't she have a talent for first-aid? It was nice seeing her develop that.
Jela - Jela is so strong. She's been through so much and began healing with Silver's help. She's a little daisy (pun intended) and very imaginative. She's of my favorite's in the series. We also learned about her past in this story, and got to know her more.
Opie - Silver's best friend from their village Martindale, Opie makes a big appearance, and makes Silver and Imrin's relationship more complicated. Opie's more confident in this book, I think, and has a quiet strength.
Overall, I liked Renegade. And the cover is fabulous by the way. It totally looks like wintery England might.
I did give it 3 stars, though, because I think the characters got out of trouble pretty easily at times, and I found myself just trying to finish the book. But, it was still interesting and had plenty of great aspects. I fully intend to read the next book and see how this all wraps up!
May 11, 2015
Originally posted @ https://thelast2know.wordpress.com
I was so psyched to get approved on NetGalley for this. I LOVED the first book (you can see my thoughts on it here) and imagine my surprise to find me in the ‘praise for’ section for book two! For me, as a book blogger, there’s no better feeling than seeing that. Look out for me in your copy ;)
So, let’s talk about Renegade.
What worked for me?
Silver – She goes from strength to strength. I really appreciate how she takes the lead, even when the doubt is eating away at her. I also really enjoyed her reaction to Imrin (and Opie too, I guess); she’s not a swooner, and it was great to have a strong female protagonist that wasn’t turned to jelly by a love interest. I mean, sure, she’s interested, but I admire how Wilkinson has handled this aspect. Which leads on to…
The Romance – It’s important to me in a book. Obviously, only when it’s appropriate, but I think hormones have to play some part in a cast of teenage characters, true? I love Imrin. I can’t help it. He tries to be the hero for Silver, and through her eyes I felt the suffocating effect this was having on her. I can identify with that. But I also felt for Imrin because he really did mean well. #conflicted
The romance is a gentle undercurrent, it hovers under the surface while the main action and issues are splashing around on the surface.
Pace – Bam. Bam. Bam. It’s one thing after another, there’s hardly a chance to catch your breath before the plot pushes on again.
Setting – *chants* UKYA UKYA UKYA! Heh. This book is firmly set in the UK and I love it. It’s a changed landscape, a dystopian future, but it’s great fun to read. Now, take a deep breath, I’m about to make a bold statement: Not since George Orwell has there been such an effective use of the British countryside and townships in a dystopian fiction.
Opie – Ok, so I liked that he was like a constant figure in Silver’s mind for the most part, but I did start to get a little frustrated with how she was dealing with her emotions over him. That said, I was surprised how strongly I started feeling towards the argument Silver was having with herself.. some of those moments made me ache because damn, you know that’s gonna hurt later.. The third book is gonna break my damn heart, I know it.
_
Renegade was a ripper of a read. It tore open my head and heart and jumped inside. This made it painful to have to put down! It’s bleak and ballsy, but this is often softened by sweet, sparkly moments. (I’m thinking about the daisies, and the tortoise in particular).
A clever plot and an intelligently written cast of characters. Love it. Simple as. It left me wanting more, again!
I can haz book 3 nao?
I was so psyched to get approved on NetGalley for this. I LOVED the first book (you can see my thoughts on it here) and imagine my surprise to find me in the ‘praise for’ section for book two! For me, as a book blogger, there’s no better feeling than seeing that. Look out for me in your copy ;)
So, let’s talk about Renegade.
What worked for me?
Silver – She goes from strength to strength. I really appreciate how she takes the lead, even when the doubt is eating away at her. I also really enjoyed her reaction to Imrin (and Opie too, I guess); she’s not a swooner, and it was great to have a strong female protagonist that wasn’t turned to jelly by a love interest. I mean, sure, she’s interested, but I admire how Wilkinson has handled this aspect. Which leads on to…
The Romance – It’s important to me in a book. Obviously, only when it’s appropriate, but I think hormones have to play some part in a cast of teenage characters, true? I love Imrin. I can’t help it. He tries to be the hero for Silver, and through her eyes I felt the suffocating effect this was having on her. I can identify with that. But I also felt for Imrin because he really did mean well. #conflicted
The romance is a gentle undercurrent, it hovers under the surface while the main action and issues are splashing around on the surface.
Pace – Bam. Bam. Bam. It’s one thing after another, there’s hardly a chance to catch your breath before the plot pushes on again.
Setting – *chants* UKYA UKYA UKYA! Heh. This book is firmly set in the UK and I love it. It’s a changed landscape, a dystopian future, but it’s great fun to read. Now, take a deep breath, I’m about to make a bold statement: Not since George Orwell has there been such an effective use of the British countryside and townships in a dystopian fiction.
Opie – Ok, so I liked that he was like a constant figure in Silver’s mind for the most part, but I did start to get a little frustrated with how she was dealing with her emotions over him. That said, I was surprised how strongly I started feeling towards the argument Silver was having with herself.. some of those moments made me ache because damn, you know that’s gonna hurt later.. The third book is gonna break my damn heart, I know it.
_
Renegade was a ripper of a read. It tore open my head and heart and jumped inside. This made it painful to have to put down! It’s bleak and ballsy, but this is often softened by sweet, sparkly moments. (I’m thinking about the daisies, and the tortoise in particular).
A clever plot and an intelligently written cast of characters. Love it. Simple as. It left me wanting more, again!
I can haz book 3 nao?
June 12, 2018
For original review: https://holedupinabook.blogspot.com/2...
Was curious about this one especially since I had received the final book a while back; however, I think it fell a bit flat for me. It was overall pretty good but I was getting a lot of Hunger Games vibe which isn’t a good thing. I don’t mind when books follow a general theme that is similar to other books but for this trilogy, it was as if it was a poor man’s version of Hunger Games. For example, there was the yearly “Reckoning” that produced these Offerings that were essentially tributes to the crown. Then there was the girl, Silver Blackthorn, who just somehow grew up in an environment that gave her the experience to defeat them which was similar to Katniss growing up hunting and being able to use the bow and arrow. Do you see the resemblance here?
So with all of that in mind, there were just so many similarities. Also, not to mention the whole love triangle which was also eerily similar to Hunger Games. There was Imrin who Silver met at the castle and there was Opie, Silver’s childhood friend turned potential lover. So while I was reading these books, I kept going back to Hunger Games and comparing between the two. Honestly, it was quite hard not to.
I mean, I did enjoy the fact that Silver was really good with technology but there were parts in this trilogy where it seemed a bit farfetched. For example, she was able to fiddle with this teleportation device and with a few wires and parts, she was able to create her own. I’m pretty sure teleportation is a bit more complicated than that otherwise we would’ve had this tech by now. I get that there might be a bit of a fantasy/sci-fi theme going on here but it just seems incredibly unrealistic to me – the fact that she is able to simply fiddle with it and then create her own within such a short timeframe.
In regards to the characters, I thought they were decent. Silver’s incredibly intelligent with her tech skills but I honestly thing that was the only thing going for her. A lot of the action seemed a bit lackluster especially that whole scene when Silver went by herself to rescue Imrin from the king in front of a large crowd of people. I thought it’ll be much more intense but she simply bluffed her way out which was kind of a let-down for me. Out of all of the characters, I actually think that Jela and Pietra developed the most. They went from these timid, well-off girls to ones who would stand up and face the enemy. I actually found a lot of respect for those two.
Overall, the books were okay and if you’re interested in reading a similar Hunger Games trilogy then I would definitely recommend it.
Was curious about this one especially since I had received the final book a while back; however, I think it fell a bit flat for me. It was overall pretty good but I was getting a lot of Hunger Games vibe which isn’t a good thing. I don’t mind when books follow a general theme that is similar to other books but for this trilogy, it was as if it was a poor man’s version of Hunger Games. For example, there was the yearly “Reckoning” that produced these Offerings that were essentially tributes to the crown. Then there was the girl, Silver Blackthorn, who just somehow grew up in an environment that gave her the experience to defeat them which was similar to Katniss growing up hunting and being able to use the bow and arrow. Do you see the resemblance here?
So with all of that in mind, there were just so many similarities. Also, not to mention the whole love triangle which was also eerily similar to Hunger Games. There was Imrin who Silver met at the castle and there was Opie, Silver’s childhood friend turned potential lover. So while I was reading these books, I kept going back to Hunger Games and comparing between the two. Honestly, it was quite hard not to.
I mean, I did enjoy the fact that Silver was really good with technology but there were parts in this trilogy where it seemed a bit farfetched. For example, she was able to fiddle with this teleportation device and with a few wires and parts, she was able to create her own. I’m pretty sure teleportation is a bit more complicated than that otherwise we would’ve had this tech by now. I get that there might be a bit of a fantasy/sci-fi theme going on here but it just seems incredibly unrealistic to me – the fact that she is able to simply fiddle with it and then create her own within such a short timeframe.
In regards to the characters, I thought they were decent. Silver’s incredibly intelligent with her tech skills but I honestly thing that was the only thing going for her. A lot of the action seemed a bit lackluster especially that whole scene when Silver went by herself to rescue Imrin from the king in front of a large crowd of people. I thought it’ll be much more intense but she simply bluffed her way out which was kind of a let-down for me. Out of all of the characters, I actually think that Jela and Pietra developed the most. They went from these timid, well-off girls to ones who would stand up and face the enemy. I actually found a lot of respect for those two.
Overall, the books were okay and if you’re interested in reading a similar Hunger Games trilogy then I would definitely recommend it.
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